BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix (movie)

Subject: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Pheonix
From: alanabit
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 05:32 PM

I know I am going to get sent away with a flea in my ear for saying this, but I thought the new Harry Potter film was superb. I guess it's not for everyone and some folks are tired of the formula. I'm still a fan - a huge fan. I saw it with my son and girlfriend this afternoon and I was not just royally entertained - I was moved. The cinematography was as lovingly executed as always. It had the best direction ever. It was very pacy and had moments of black humour. The special effects were stunning and the performances of some of the minor characters were very moving. Ginny Weasley somehow established a strong presence without saying a word. I felt the film really transcended its genre and also came over as a strong statement about the value of loyalty and friendship. It has been some time since I enjoyed a film that much.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Pheonix
From: Wesley S
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 05:39 PM

I'm looking forward to it myself. Thanks for the review. The local paper reviewed and gave it only two stars. But he's never given ANY of the Potter movies more than three out of five stars anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:13 PM

Fine, just don't tell us what's in it because some of us aren't able to see it for a week yet...

I've always felt that of the books, OOTP has been fairest in giving more substance and storyline to the 'other' members of the school and not concentrated exclusively on Harry, a wise move to flesh out his classmates.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: cookster
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:17 PM

I really want to see it.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:18 PM

Harry Potter Band eh........

No sorry ~ harriWatts band @ Hebden Bridge Arts Festival
Saturday 14 July

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:19 PM

Tomorrow night - bring it on!

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 06:45 PM

I quite agree with alanabit. I suppose those were special effects - they just seemed like real magic.

We made a point of getting to see it straight off, while the kids would still be in school. Crowds of kids intey cinema can be a real pain, especially when its a long film, and the later Harry Potter stories are a lot more demanding than the early ones, and the films have to be as well. I was sure it'd be a case of the getting bored and messing about.

In fact the cinema turned out to be full of kids - either school parties or kids bunking off. But in fact they were a great audience - by which I mean they were as rivetted by what was happening on screen as I was, and hardly a peep out of them.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 07:00 PM

Oddly enough McGrath - the last HP film had the same effect too... rows of rivetted children. Such a shame that others are not so effective at keeping quiet - most of the noise during the previous episode (that wasn't laughing at the film) came from adults talking through what they saw as 'the boring bits'.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: artbrooks
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 07:45 PM

I'm working my way through the books, in preparation for the final episode. I finished OOTP today, so I guess I oughter go see the movie.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Desdemona
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 09:04 PM

I'm really looking forward to it as well. My eldest (now--GASP--20) read them as they were released, and my youngest just finished RE-reading the entire series in preparation for book 7, so we've been Harry Potter lifers, in a way. We're headed to the UK tomorrow, and my boys & I are hoping to squeeze in a viewing with their cousins while we're there.

~D

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 09:36 PM

Thank whatever gods there be that my grandchild is now 12 and has gone on to more worthy material.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 09:38 PM

Harummpf!

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: John O'L
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 09:46 PM

My eldest also read each book as it was released, and is just now re-reading the whole series. Me, I'm just re-reading The Half-Blood Prince in preparation for the new book. I guess I'll have to step aside when she wants to play through.

We saw the movie yesterday. I too found it quite moving in parts, and probably the best presented movie so far, although probably the one with the most left out.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: harpmolly
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 11:03 PM

I forced myself NOT to re-read the book just before the movie came out, knowing that would increase the inevitable moments of "They left THAT out?!?!", which has to happen with the longest book and the shortest movie! (Or was GoF longer? Not by much!). Anyway, I'm hoping to see it tomorrow (or maybe a late night show tonight if I can persuade a friend to go with me. Hell, if she won't I'm tempted to hop on a bus anyway. ;))

I did see the clip of Dan Radcliffe on Leno, which was hilarious (he's really sort of geeky, which I find very endearing) and the clip they showed was the D.A. practicing the Patronus charm, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The special effects were excellent. :)

Molly

(trying not to have a "IwannawannawannaseeitNOW!!!") tantrum...)

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 12:28 AM

I'm glad you started this thread, Alan. It wonderful to know that I am not alone in being a Harry Potter fan.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Fran
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 02:10 AM

I saw it yesterday after work and I agree with Alanabit, it was excellent, funny and moving, I will admit bits made me cry.

Brilliant casting of Delores Umbridge.

The Children in my audience were quiet and enthralled thank goodness!

Can't wait for the last book now, roll on 21/07/07

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Rowan
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 02:25 AM

Well, the kiss was closely observed by the elder daughter (only in passing by the younger) and both were impressed with the film as a whole, even though they were well aware of what had been left out. The Wesley Bros' farewell was regarded as especially spectacular.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: harpmolly
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 03:54 AM

Loved it, loved it, LOVED IT!!!

Can't wait to see it again.

*possible MINOR spoilers here*







Umbridge was brilliant. Brilliant! Inspired...the kittens mewing in the detention scene just added that extra nerve-jarring component. ;) Gred and Forge's great exit was breathtakingly satisfying, though pretty much anything those boys do is okay by me. *grin* The kiss was sweet, a little more PG-13 than I was expecting really. And it was a treat to see more of Gary Oldman and David Thewlis (Lupin).

Sure, a few scenes felt rushed or played differently than I would have chosen, but overall I really enjoyed it.   I have a feeling the Majestic Bay Theatre is going to be getting a ridiculous amount of my money this summer.

Cheers,

Molly

P.S. I must NOT tell lies! ;)

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: fiddler
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 04:02 AM

I'd give it 10/10

Well put together, well scripted, stunning effects in all but simple surroundings - flying over the ...........

Ok I won't spill any beans about teh actual film.

Fancy an HP fan club here on MC!

Andy

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: nickp
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 04:25 AM

I'll have to wait but I'm looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 04:33 AM

Going to see it tonight or tomorrow. Depends when I get home. Looking forward to it. I also have both versions of the new book on pre order:-)

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: skipy
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 04:40 AM

I am getting a little upset with the major film companies producing films that are totally unbelievable.

Take for instance the latest Harry Potter film.

Okay I can believe the Magic, the Ghosts, flying cars, creatures that talk, Demons and all the rest.


What I cannot accept is that a GINGER Freckled kid has TWO friends?????
Skipy (C&P)

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: alanabit
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 04:57 AM

LOL!

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: harpmolly
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 05:04 AM

Skipy...Actually, Ron's getting kind of cute. And his two brothers are simply devastating (if you like that slightly gangly, wickedly mischievous, Ewan McGregor-esque quality. ;))

Cheers,

Molly

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 07:40 AM

Oh please... The effect those Weasley twins have on women of a certain age would put the rating to 18, XXX and beyond!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 08:43 AM

Are you certain you can count as far as that "certain age ", Liz?

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:22 AM

By the way - we have a local theater that is showing the movie in IMAX. Has anyone seen it in that format yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 10:38 AM

OOh - Imax harry potter! That would be great!

The closest I got, pun intended, was that we had to sit in the front row as we didn't get there early enough to find 4 seats together - and when they were grandly swooping about it would feel as if I were falling UPWARDS into the screen...

Excellent movie. Truly entertaining, and I did re-read the book - they changed some minor stuff, and didn't leave out much (I am thinking of one thing in particular which I won't mention).

However, I hadn't realized that my nephew hadn't read any of the books - and he didn't like it, it was too creepy for him (and he's 18!)... I think even if you hadn't read the books or weren't into the concept, that it would still be a good movie.

I can hardly wait for next Friday midnight!

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Noreen
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 11:32 AM

I'm taking my two kiddies (15 and 20!) to see it tomorrow, and all much looking forward to it- my daughter's seeing it first this evening with her friends but plans to see it several times (as she has the others).

Good to see the reviews on here, and to hear that the new film is J.K. Rowling's favourite so far.

Some interesting reviews at bbc.co.uk enertainment

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 12:37 PM

Never mind the Weasleys - I still swoon over Oliver Wood. Crikey, he was lovely.

Slightly more age-appropriate, but worrying for totally different reasons, is my ongoing crush on Lucius Malfoy...

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Dazbo
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 02:11 PM

Well I'm looking forward to it and now I can swoon over hermione at last:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: HouseCat
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 02:24 PM

We have OOTP in Imax here too but due to vertigo, I can't do Imax. I feel as if I'm falling through the night sky unchecked and end up clinging to my seat with my eyes squeezed shut. I REALLY hate that I can't go. But I AM going on Sunday to a normal theatre. We also can't wait for the HP Deathly Hallows Midnight Party at our local bookstore on the night of the release - lots of otherwise normal adults (and kids) dressed up as HP characters capering about and having a blast.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 03:36 PM

Released in UK yesterday, but it was my wedding anniversary. I'd promised my wife I'd take her out for the evening....


Good thing she like HP as well!

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: maire-aine
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 03:44 PM

Hope to see it tonight, but certainly before the weekend is over.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 05:37 PM

WHoo hooo!!

Went to see it this evening....

It's cool!

LURVE the knitty kitty...

Mew. Mew mew mew... mew.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 05:48 PM

Now for the last book out on 21st...

I'm sorry for people who don't appreciate Harry Potter because it isn't great literature. Rather the sae way I feel sorry for people who look down their noses because it isn't Beethoven. As if you couldn't like both.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: The Walrus
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 08:05 PM

So book 7 is out on the 21st?
I expect that, if everything runs to form, I'll probably get a copy sometime in August (or possibly early September) when my local ASDA sell off hardback copies cheap (well, they have for the last few years, so why should this one be any different?).
A for the film, it's odds on that I'll not get to see it at the cinema, but I may well end up waiting until it comes out on DVD and then buying a cheap ex-rental copy.
I'll be interested in reading (and seeing) the latest products, but I'm not going to bust a gut over them.

W

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Rowan
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 10:33 PM

Walrus, while I sympathise, I suspect the special effects in the HP films (so far, at least) would be better appreciated on a cinema screen than a lounge room monitor. I'd recommend the cinema irrespective of any notions of being interested in HP as a phenomenon; I don't think the small screen can do enough justice to the cinematic effects in the films.

Either way, you'll enjoy the latest.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 03:36 AM

Actually... I'd argue against the cinema viewing if you're prone to motion sickness. There are some amazing effects that might be lost on the small screen, sure.. but there are also some dizzying camera swoops that leave the cinema goer with a distinct feeling of sea-sickness, somewhat akin to the dodgy camera work on the Tom Cruise version of 'War of the Worlds'... Manitas was actually ill after seeing that, which we attributed to the swooping camera action, rather than the shameful way Mr Wells' excellent book was treated.

The way things go, the DVD will probably be out just in time for Christmas purchase. TV screens and definition these days are so good that I really don't think you'll miss much - and even if you've only got an old, steam powered telly, it's still going to be worth it.

True to form, my eccentric little offspring went 'erk' at the kissing and 'ahhhh' at the baby Thestral. Universal laugh from children and adults alike at the word 'wet' from Harry.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 01:25 PM

It was fab. The best film so far, methinks. Daniel Radcliffe is maturing as an actor, and i think his character in the film felt more three-dimensional and sympathetic than the stroppy little sod that irritated the hell out of me in the book.

Luna Lovegood was especially good, and I also liked Gary Oldman a lot more in this film. Celia Imrie was perfect as Umbridge - again, a lot more believable than the character was in the book. Not sure about Helena B-C - thought she was a bit too mental, and not sinister enough. Lucius - ding dong. As usual.

The effects were brilliant.

Has anyone else noticed that they are all overly fond of knitwear? I mean, I know it's Scotland, but c'mon - even wizards have their street cred to think of.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: alanabit
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 03:59 PM

Er Ruth, I thought Imelda Staunton had a small role in the film...

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 04:37 PM

Yep - very good indeed. I din't think Imelda Staunton deseved all that credit personaly but I guess it is just because the character she played and what I had in mind from the book were different. I'll bow to everyone elses judgement though and just agree to disagree:-)

Dave.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 05:51 PM

I liked the film. It started off rather slow, and I was actually starting to nod off, but it quickly picked up. Great effects, good story and the acting has improved. Best one so far.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Surreysinger
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 06:33 PM

Seeing it on Monday afternoon (the decadence of going during other people's working days will, no doubt, add to the piquancy of the event) - can't wait. I've read all the books, but so far I haven't seen any of the films actually in the cinema.... countdown starts here!

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 07:07 PM

Sorry, Alanabit - I mix up those two all the time!

Imenlda Staunton was also very good as Umbridge... :)

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 07:28 PM

Over-inspected teachers across the country, who have been driven nearly crazy by all the paperwork and bureaucracy they've had to put up with for so many years, will be taking delight in the humiliation ultimately unleashed on Dolores Umbridge, representative of all that stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 03:42 AM

I also noticed a larger than usual selection of knitwear - mostly created by Mrs Weasley!

But what I noticed most of all is that under that Weasley knitted wooly, Harry is becoming considerably more chiselled and firm...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 04:25 AM

It's when they're all standing on that bridge getting ready to fly to london - all the stripey jumpers were making my eyes hurt!

Ah yes - Daniel Radcliffe is, indeed, "maturing" in more ways than just his acting talent. But when he said at one point, "I'm fourteen!" I almost laughed out loud. He looks considerably older. I can't begin to imagine what he or the others are going to look like by the time they film Deathly Hallows. It'll be like John Travolta and Olivia Newton John playing high school kids in Grease.

I was wondering whether his chiselled form had anything to do with preparing for his nekkid role in the production of Equus that he starred in earlier this year.

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 04:37 AM

Oh Ruth.... go look at any secondary school and tell me which are the 12yr olds and which are the 16yr olds... it's getting very VERY hard to tell the difference these days.

Only this week I witnessed a deeply disturbing performance by a 10yr old - OK, so it was in a school production of Bugsy Malone and she played Tallulah, but she vamped better than some streetwalkers I know!

Daniel Radcliffe wasn't exactly skinny and weak when he WAS 14...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 05:18 AM

Well, my daughter's 13 and NONE of the boys she hangs around with look like that. Thank god.